Foster Care

‘She is kind we get along good and funny’ Connor 16 years

Stepdown Foster Carers offer placements in a supportive family setting to young people aged 12 to 18 years who require care in a family setting.

The placements are aimed at supporting young people to remain in, or be integrated into community based placements. The young people will receive individual support packages tailored by the young person, their Social Worker, Carer and Stepdown.

Stepdown aims to assist young people to maximise their full potential and to fulfil their education, training or employment needs. Specific support can be given to meet a young persons’ additional needs.

What Do Foster Carers Do?

Foster carers are responsible looking after young people when they are no longer able to stay with their own families. They are responsible for the care and development of the young person placed with them and will provide a safe, secure and stable environment. They will be supported to provide high quality care by Stepdown.

Foster Carers come from a variety of backgrounds. They can be married or single, working or retired, childless or have children still living at home. We need a variety of carers in order to meet young people’s individual needs.

All young people in foster care have different needs but they are likely to have faced some difficulties and need a caring home. Stepdown will work closely with you and the young person to make sure that you are carefully ‘matched’ with each other. So we will know from you what type of young person you would be happy to help support.

Stepdown foster carers and staff work in partnership with Local Authority social workers as well as other relevant professionals to provide the best care and support possible.

Most children and young people placed with our carers have ongoing contact with family members and their foster carers support them to keep in contact with their families.

Do I need Qualifications and Do I Get Paid?

You don’t need any formal qualifications and we will provide you with any training you need. Applicants attend training/preparations groups which ensure that you have an understanding of issues needed to care for young people.

You do need an interest in the welfare of young people and an understanding of young people in care.

You will receive a generous allowance for each child or young person placed with you